The Anaheim Ducks turned to the 20-year-old rookie goalie Gibson in a critical Game 4 against the L.A. Kings in the second-round playoff series. It would’ve been understandable had Anaheim’s head coach Bruce Boudreau turned to the veteran Jonas Hiller. Quite the stage for a young player, never mind one tasked with stopping pucks, to be put right into. Gibson, who has spent the vast majority of this season in the American Hockey League, was making his Stanley Cup playoff debut.

On this stage, Gibson was spectacular. He made 28 saves for the 2-0 shutout victory over the Kings. And the best-of-seven series is now tied 2-2. Neither team has won on home ice. Gibson and the Ducks were under siege for most of the final two periods. Anaheim failed to even register a single shot on goal in the second period.

Hell of a gamble by Boudreau to start Gibson but damn, did it pay off. I’d love to see the list of NHL goalies who’ve recorded shutouts in both their regular-season and playoff debuts; I’d doubt it’s a very long one. Hope it’s a sign of a successful career to come for Gibson.

areaman714 - May 11, 2014 at 1:05 AM

ANATIS MURUM.

rainyday56 - May 11, 2014 at 1:08 AM

I saw Wayne Thomas do it against the Vancouver Canucks in his debut game with the Habs.